The United Kingdom has handed over a 67-kilometre-long Mugu-Humla road that links the remote Humla district with the country’s formal road network, to the government authorities.

Built as part of the UK’s Rural Access Programme Phase 3, the road replaces a walking trail and is the longest road the UK has helped build in Nepal under the programme, the British Embassy in Kathmandu said in a press release on Friday.

The road also crosses the highest altitude for any rural access programme road at Chankheli Pass which lies at an altitude of 3,300 metres. The 37-kilometre section of the road lies in Mugu and has four bridges.

The road was constructed at a cost of £10.6 million in assistance from the UK government.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Nicola Pollitt, British Ambassador to Nepal, said the road is an example of a long-term collaboration between Nepal and the UK.

“The successful completion of this project demonstrates that when local people, different spheres of government and experts come together for a common goal, big changes are indeed possible. It is also a shining example of long-term strategic collaboration delivering the UK’s green, resilient inclusive development objective for Nepal.”

She also requested different spheres of the Government of Nepal to maintain the road adequately.